"Dropping bombs, having missile strikes, doesn't make one presidential," Rather said.

Instead, Rather said Trump should be judged on his ability to "keep the peace." He described countries like North Korea, Syria, Iraq and Yemen as "flashpoints" that are "real powder kegs with a real short fuse burning."

Rather warned journalists to not allow stories about military strikes to distract from other issues. He said the action in Syria took attention away from stories about Russia's influence on the election, whether it was intended to do so or not.

"Journalists have a tendency to rally around powder kegs. What's best for the country is for journalists to be skeptical," he said. "Not cynical, but skeptical."

Rather was the anchor and managing editor of "CBS Evening News" for more than two decades. He now hosts an interview series on AXS TV and runs a production company.

In the interview, Rather acknowledged his own shortcomings, saying that he did not ask "enough of the right questions" before the Bush administration invaded Iraq in 2003. Other prominent journalists have expressed similar regrets.